Life-Changing Magic

Is it magic or just motivational? I'm talking about the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Back in June, I shared my motley summer reading list, you can see it HERE. The books encompass everything from true stories, novels, and even a little history. All have been entertaining, and I'll share more in upcoming posts, but The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up seems to have unleashed something in me.
There are some wonderful quotes in the book;
*To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have    outlived their purpose.
*It is not the memories but the person we have become because of those past experiences
  that we should treasure. 
*The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your    life. 
We recently had dinner with some friends and I commented that I'm cleaning out. The comment was made that my house is perfect and how could there possibly be anything to clear out. Well, trust me, there's plenty. As an example, I opened one closet yesterday, took everything out, and this is what I ended up with. Over the past week, I have not kept count, but I would say that at least 10 bags have gone out the door. My husband commented that he's afraid that the ladies at the Salvation Army are going to think he's lost his spouse!!!!!

Yesterday's closet clean out was probably the most interesting so far. In that closet I had a number of vintage pieces that I have held on to for the mere fact that they are vintage and for some reason held some sort of hold on me. As I really looked at them I realized that they were not something I want to wear, it's not how I want to present myself, and so, in the bag they went. I felt set free.
As I read through the book, there were other epiphanies of sorts. The author talked about the home and  how we live within our home. When I was growing up, we had very little. I had very few clothes and so the best was saved for school and church. At home I wore old things that were just that, old and worn. They were comfortable, but not attractive. Being comfortable at home is a wonderful thing, but comfort can and should be attractive.    
Then I came across this statement,
When we really delve into the reasons why we can't let go, there are only two: 
An attachment to the past,
Or a fear of the future.
While it's wonderful to have memories and cherished mementos, what struck me was that I want to live now, fully and wholly...NOW! I can hold on to the things that truly bring me joy and let go of the rest.
So, a lot has gone out the door, and there's so much more to do. I put myself on a one year plan, taking a closet, a space at one time. As I work along, I know that I will learn more and more about myself and some of the realizations may be a little difficult. But I think it's a little like losing weight, initially it's difficult, your stomach and your mind scream that they want to eat. But, you stick with it and then comes the exhilaration of the accomplishment. In the end, the mental and physical pain was worth it, you achieved your goal.
In the spirit of letting go, I have decided to pass along the book. It has done it's job and there is no reason for me to hold on to it. I'm hoping that in giving it away, that the next person will be as moved as I have been. If you think you would like to have the book, just leave a message here on this post, United States addresses only please. I will draw a name on Monday, August 17, 2015. If you do think that you would like to have the book, I ask two things;
1. Read it.
2. Once read, pass it on. Do not keep the book and please do not sell the book. My hope is that my small investment will go on to help others in a manner that I cannot even imagine.

I'll leave you today with this statement that I once heard,
The more things you own, the more your things own you.